[MCR] Roger's Pass, Connaught drainage

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

to add to Shawn King's post of yesterday, we had a pleasant ski up into the Bruin's Pass area of Connaught drainage. only 2 other parties were observed in the area; both in the far distance.  a very quiet day.

weather:

- temps ranged from -4 (2500m @ 1500hrs) to +2 (1300m @ 1700hrs)
- mainly sunny throughout the day with minor cloud in the afternoon
- a light West wind in the afternoon, dead calm in the morning

we found good, dry snow on true East & North aspects above 2100m.  good corn turns were enjoyed on a more Southerly aspect with a low angle - we did not try anything steeper.  on the exit out of the area around 1600hrs, the corn had refrozen into a 2cm thick suncrust with moist snow underneath.  as we approached aprox 1700m, the top 50-70cm of the snowpack was isothermal & gave poor support.  survival 'turns' were the order of the day.

also of note:

- many solar releases (loose & wet) from rocks were observed from 1200hrs to 1600hrs, scrubbing the top 10-20cm in steep terrain. most were stopping top to middle of their run outs
- crevasses on the small glacier on the North side of Bruin's Pass are visible and snow bridges are sagging

there are still some lines to be found, both on polar (dry snow) & solar (good corn with proper timing) aspects.  however, it will be easy to get 'pushed' into terrain with overhead hazard (steep slopes & cornices), crevasses issues, and other late season hazards if one is not careful & disciplined in their approach.

enjoy the holidays!

dave healey
acmg ski guide